Arkansas Tech defensive lineman Zemaric Holt, 21, died Sunday from injuries sustained in an accident at Long Pool Recreation Area near Dover, according to a news release from the university.
The Pope County sheriff's office confirmed in a release that it responded to a call around 3:38 p.m. Sunday regarding a possible drowning at Long Pool Recreation Area in Pope County. According to the release, emergency medical responders found the man out of the water upon arrival and transported him to St. Mary's Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead by Pope County Coroner Danny White.
The sheriff's department's release identified the victim as a 21-year-old male who was a student at Arkansas Tech but withheld his name pending notification of next of kin. Arkansas Tech released a statement later Sunday evening confirming that Holt had died in an accident at the recreation area.
"Our hearts are broken," Raymond Monica, Arkansas Tech's head football coach, said in the release. "Zemaric was loved by his teammates and his coaches. He was a role model for our younger players. Our thoughts are with his mother, the remainder of his family and his many friends."
Holt, from Quincy, Fla., had been a student and a member of the football program at Arkansas Tech since 2012. He redshirted during the 2012 season before playing the past two seasons. Holt had 29 career tackles, including 4 1/2 tackles for loss and 2 1/2 sacks, in 18 games.
Counselors from Arkansas Tech's Health and Wellness Center reported to campus Sunday night to provide support for students. Counselors also will be available today.
GOLF
ASGA Junior Match Play starts today
Defending champions Fisher Vollendorf of Fayetteville and Elizabeth Moon of Forrest City will lead the field today in the Arkansas State Golf Association Junior Match Play championship at Eagle Hill Golf and Athletic Club in Little Rock.
A field of 78 boys and 19 girls will compete in stroke play today to determine seedings for match play, which will run through Thursday. The girls championship is set for 9 a.m. Thursday, while the boys final is set for 1:30 p.m. that afternoon.
Vollendorf defeated Connor Neil of Springdale 4 and 3 to win last year's championship at Eagle Hill, while Moon defeated 2013 champion Casey Ott 1-up.
Expected to contend along with Vollendorf on the boys side are 2014 junior player of the year Ryan Spurlock of Maumelle, Whit Parker of Conway, Hyunje Lee of Little Rock, Luke Long of Fayetteville and Carter Cloe of Conway.
Challengers for Moon's title include Hannah Bakalekos of Sherwood, sisters Lauren and Taylor Loeb of Maumelle, Allie Wiener of Maumelle, Katelyn Dunstan of Little Rock and Josie Roberson of Maumelle, who leads Moon by 121 points in the player of the year race.
Sports on 07/20/2015